GA²LEN research programme

Addressing all aspects of allergy & asthma

Research on allergic diseases is still not coordinated as effectively as possible and findings do not always reach doctors and patients rapidly. Although the medical term “allergy” has existed for a long time, it is only recently that allergic diseases have come to be considered as an important global problem. Research was therefore not only fragmented in the different research institutes but also between disciplines: dermatology, ENT, epidemiology...  

This fragmentation had to be tackled by identifying areas where data are missing, integrating and comparing the results obtained in the different studies, and standardizing research practices. GA²LEN’s answer to this challenge is to provide a platform for research, which adopts the same standards of excellence, and which aims to spread good practices and to foster collaboration within Europe and worldwide.  

Where are the research needs?

Asthma and allergy are Europe’s most common chronic diseases and their prevalence is increasing. Up to one child in three is affected, and trends indicate that by 2015, half of all Europeans may be suffering from an allergy. To ensure Europe retains its leading position in research on allergic diseases, the EU funded a Network of Excellence covering all aspects of asthma and allergy including its genetic basis, clinical treatment, environmental aspects, and social causes.

Scientists have shown that the number of people with atopy is increasing but they do not know why. These “atopic” persons have a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. Atopy involves the capacity to produce IgE antibodies in response to common environmental proteins such as house dust mites, grass pollen, and food allergens...

Several hypotheses are discussed such as the evolution of the “western lifestyle”, the hygiene hypothesis, genetics, environment changes... As well as identifying the cause of the increasing prevalence, which might lead to prevention, another challenge is to define the exact mechanisms causing allergic symptoms, which could lead to better treatments. Only two-thirds of people with allergen specific IgE develop symptoms.

Another question is why do some allergies worsen while others disappear. About 30% of patients with allergic rhinitis also develop asthma. Too little is known about this progression, known as the allergy “march”.

Finally several former assumptions have been contested during the last 10 years. European wide studies involving patients with different environment and lifestyles are crucial to understanding the development of allergic diseases, their evolution in life and ultimately how to treat them more effectively.

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Scientific Publications
GA²LEN guidelines
Frequently asked questions on GA²LEN